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Food hygiene rating scheme
How food hygiene ratings are given, what the scores mean, and how to check a business’s rating.
We run the food hygiene rating scheme in partnership with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). It helps you choose where to eat or shop for food by showing how well businesses follow food hygiene laws.
Who is included in the scheme
The scheme covers places that sell food directly to consumers, including:
- restaurants
- pubs
- cafes
- takeaways
- hotels
- supermarkets
- shops
How ratings are given
A Food Safety Officer inspects each business and gives it a rating based on:
- how hygienically food is handled – including safe preparation, cooking, cooling, reheating and storage
- the condition of the premises – including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and maintenance
- how food safety is managed – including written procedures and systems
What the ratings mean
Each business gets a rating from 0 to 5. This reflects the hygiene standards found at the time of inspection.
- 5 – very good
- 4 – good
- 3 – generally satisfactory
- 2 – improvement necessary
- 1 – major improvement necessary
- 0 – urgent improvement necessary
The rating does not reflect the quality of food or customer service.
Find out how food hygiene ratings work on the Food Standards Agency website.
Where to find ratings
Businesses are given a sticker to display their rating.
You can also search for Food hygiene ratings on the FSA website.
Advice for food businesses
If you do not agree with your rating, you can:
- appeal the decision
- submit a ‘right to reply’ to explain your view
- request a revisit after making improvements
From 1 April 2024, a fee of £218 applies for all re-rating requests.
Allerdale and Copeland: Appeal a decision
You can appeal our decision with the Food Standards Agency, if you do not agree with:
- our inspection results
- the food hygiene rating we have given
If you would like to request a re-visit in the Allerdale and Copeland area:
Carlisle: Appeal a decision
Complete and return the relevant form for appeals in the Carlisle area:
If you would like to request a re-visit in the Carlisle area: